Venture Catalyst
Venture Catalyst facilitates the translation of UC Davis research and technology by driving the development of new ventures through collaborations, programmatic activities and outreach efforts.
Moving Research Innovations Towards Commercialization through the Development of New Ventures
UC Davis is known worldwide for its leadership in research. Each year this research leads to new innovations and technologies that are translated to the marketplace through UC Davis startup companies. Venture Catalyst drives the successful development of new ventures based on UC Davis intellectual property through its collaborations, programmatic activities, and outreach efforts. VC offers several innovative programs that bridge the gap between early-stage research and commercialization by enabling and supporting robust university startups and spin-outs.
Tools, Resources and Services
Proof-of-Concept Programs
Overview
Venture Catalyst manages two proof-of-concept programs, which provide funding and resources to translate basic UC Davis research with commercial potential by demonstrating proof-of-concept and establishing market viability. These programs also help develop an innovative and entrepreneurial culture that extends the benefits of UC Davis research activities beyond the boundaries of the university.
- Science Translation & Innovative Research (STAIR™) Grant
- Food Systems Innovation Award
Science Translation & Innovative Research (STAIR™) Grant
The UC Davis Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR) Grant Program is one of the technology proof-of-concept programs managed by Venture Catalyst in collaboration with InnovationAccess. Core funding for the STAIR Grant is provided by the Vice Chancellor for Research with supplemental funding provided by Innovation & Technology Commercialization (InnovationAccess and Venture Catalyst) as well as campus and industry partners. Learn about the STAIR Grant Program.
Applications for all proof-of-concept programs can be submitted through Office of Research’s InfoReady grant application platform (Kerberos login required).
Food Systems Innovation Award
The Food Systems Innovation Award – a collaboration between the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food & Health (IIFH) and Venture Catalyst was launched in Fiscal Year 2020-21. This program is aligned with the Venture Catalyst Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIRTM) Grant and focuses on funding proof-of-concept innovations utilizing cutting-edge technologies to improve metabolic health outcomes by providing easily accessible food and health choices that support happier, healthier, longer lives for everyone. Learn more about the Food System Innovation Award Program.
Applicants must apply by April 5th deadline. Application materials are available here
Applications
Venture Catalyst will begin accepting applications for the ninth cycle of the proof-of-concept programs on January 27, 2022 with an application deadline of March 17, 2022 at 11:59 pm PDT. Applications for all proof-of-concept programs can be submitted through Office of Research’s InfoReady grant application platform (Kerberos login required). The direct links to each grant are as follows:
- STAIR Grant
- Food Systems Innovation Award (2022 Announcement is coming soon)
If you would like to request an overview presentation and/or a Q&A session for your department or unit, please email stairgrant@ucdavis.edu.
Funding & Partnerships
For the STAIR Grant program, Venture Catalyst has engaged campus and industry partners to expand potential funding available to particular technologies and projects through the program. Partners for the ninth cycle (2021-22) of the STAIR Grant Program include Triple Ring Technologies, TurtleTree, the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences, the UC Davis College of Letters & Science, the UC Davis School of Medicine, and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Learn more:
Venture Toolkit
Overview
The Smart Toolkit for Accelerated Research Translation (START™) Suite of programs equips UC Davis entrepreneurs with the tools needed to form and grow successful companies. The offerings of START™ Suite are open to all individuals and companies with a UC Davis affiliation (current faculty/student/staff and alumni).
START™ Program
Facilitating the Creation of Campus Technology-Derived Startup Companies
The Venture Catalyst START program provides the building blocks to equip UC Davis affiliated entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and services they need to successfully form and grow robust startups.
The START™ Suite includes: Inventor Advantage™ program, LegalNet™ partnerships, Talent acquisition partnership (TAP™) program, meeting space, access to advisors through MentorNet™, Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis reports (MICA™), pitch coaching, collaboration across campus, VentureNet™, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program, access to research and development services and state-of-the-art technology and equipment at partner Campus Core Facilities through DARTS™, access to a vibrant regional innovation network through EECO™ systems, and the Distributed Research Incubation and Venture Engine (DRIVE™) program.
Download Program Brochure
Venture Catalyst START™
Download the START program brochure
Download START form
Get in Touch
For more information or questions, contact:
VentureCatalyst@ucdavis.edu
Startup Incubator Network
Overview
Venture Catalyst offers early-stage startups shared office and technical research and development space.
DRIVETM Network Business Incubators
The Venture Catalyst DRIVETM (Distributed Research Incubation & Venture Engine) program provides a network of lean, thematically oriented business incubators. DRIVE Network provides UC Davis affiliated startups with access to affordable, mixed office/lab business incubation spaces in close proximity to the campus.
Working Together
Venture Catalyst collaborates closely with UC Davis stakeholders and resources such as InnovationAccess, the Foundation and Corporate Engagement, and the UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to directly support campus entrepreneurs developing university technology into new, viable ventures.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Venture Catalyst works closely with campus partners such as the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a Center of Excellence at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. This institute offers several programs that prepare innovators for success, including entrepreneurship academies, mentoring programs, fellowships and the Big Bang! Business Competition.
Available Opportunities
Connect with one of our Venture Catalyst team members to get more information on our programs, explore ways to engage with our startups or to learn about opportunities to partner with us.
Contact Venture Catalyst
For more information on Venture Catalyst and its programs, contact us directly.
To sign up for the Venture Catalyst newsletter, click here.
To view the Venture Catalyst newsletter archive, click here.
Economic Engagement
Overview
Venture Catalyst engages with the Davis and Sacramento business, governmental and economic development community to highlight the development of technologies and ventures coming out of UC Davis that will drive tomorrow’s regional job creation. Working closely with these partners, Venture Catalyst is invigorating the technology-based entrepreneurial ecosystem of the entire region.
Economic Development Ecosystems
EECO™ Systems
The Venture Catalyst Economic Engagement and Community Outreach (EECO) systems program facilitates connections between startups and the Northern California innovation and economic development ecosystems to support the successful integration of startups into the regional economy through engagement with government agencies, startup and business support organizations, the investment community, service providers, and industry associations.
Biotech Innovation Gallery
The Biotech Innovation Gallery (BIG) Accelerator program provides UC Davis-associated startups with targeted mentoring and training around intellectual property and regulatory strategy as well as coaching on business models, market analysis and investor pitches.
The accelerator program runs from August to January and culminates in the Biotech Innovation Gallery Open House, Showcase and Networking Event which coincides with the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. The event offers a platform for UC Davis innovators to showcase their emerging biotech companies to industry experts, potential strategic partners and investors.
Proof-of-Concept Programs
Funding & Resources
STAIR Grant
Technology Focus:
Broad
IP Consideration:
Patent potential
Project Budget:
Up to $50,000
Funding Available for 2021-22 Cycle:
$250,000*
Application Deadline:
March 17, 2022 at 11:59 PM PDT
Download Program Materials for 2021-22 Cycle
Food Systems Innovation Award
Technology Focus:
Global nutrition and food systems
IP Consideration:
Patent potential
Project Budget:
Up to $25,000
Funding Available for 2021-22 Cycle:
$50,000
Application Deadline:
April 12, 2022 at 5pm PDT.
Download Program Materials for 2021-22 Cycle:
Food Systems Innovation Award Application Form
*Supplemental funding available from campus and industry partners
Email questions about any of the proof-of-concept grant programs to stairgrant@ucdavis.edu.
Handbook for Startups
There are a number of factors you should consider in order to successfully make the leap from university research to startup company.
This handbook illustrates some of the resources and support available to faculty, students, staff and alumni interested in developing technology-derived startups, most of which will develop and are expected to grow within the Davis-Sacramento region and in proximity to the university.
Download Venture Catalyst’s Handbook for Startups